Replacing dashboard lights - 2003 Outback

I have not been able to remove the dashboard to replace light bulbs. I removed the two screws on the inside top directly in front of speedo/tach, but there is something else still secureing it. The Bulbs apparently burned out on one side of my dashboard so I can no longer see my speedometer at night. The fuses are fine.

Were you able to replace the bulb(s), if so how easy was it? The same has occurred in my vehicle with the left 1/3 of the dashboard out. Local repair shop wants $150 to fix it.

Paul wrote:

I have not been able to remove the dashboard to replace light bulbs. I removed the two screws on the inside top directly in front of speedo/tach, but there is something else still secureing it. The Bulbs apparently burned out on one side of my dashboard so I can no longer see my speedometer at night. The fuses are fine.

The process is a bit more involved. It starts with removing the trim around the shift area, the ash tray and rubberized bin, then the trim around the radio/heater controls, the switch panel to the left of the steering wheel, and THEN you're ready to attack the trim around the cluster. Most of the above just pop out (carefully), but there are two hidden screws above where the ashtray was holding the radio trim in place. You'll need a stubby philips screwdriver, and DON'T drop the screws into the open hole.

Best advice is to pick up a copy of the service manual and look at the pictures. Don't forget to lower the steering wheel all the way or the bezel won't come out.

The process takes about 15 minutes in and 15 minutes out if you know what to expect. Well worth it!

Neil

Eric B wrote:

There is a light for the heater controls and all of the fog lite, cruise, rear defrost switches. But the switches have a tendency to burn outTo remove the cluster you must remove the trim first, that is what the two screws are for.

The process is a bit more involved. It starts with removing the trim around the shift area, the ash tray and rubberized bin, then the trim around the radio/heater controls, the switch panel to the left of the steering wheel, and THEN you're ready to attack the trim around the cluster. Most of the above just pop out (carefully), but there are two hidden screws above where the ashtray was holding the radio trim in place. You'll need a stubby philips screwdriver, and DON'T drop the screws into the open hole.Best advice is to pick up a copy of the service manual and look at the pictures. Don't forget to lower the steering wheel all the way or the bezel won't come out.The process takes about 15 minutes in and 15 minutes out if you know what to expect. Well worth it!Neil<quoted text>

Thanks for the tip on the two screws holding up the ashtray slide and connected to the radio trim. Never would have found them without knowing they were there and feeling around for them.

I for the life of me cannot find the second screw. I got the one straight back but can't see a second. Where do I look?

There is actually 3. One straight back, but you got that. And two on too of that same metal piece that you took the one out of. Just reach in with your fingers and you'll feel them in the front. They are a pain to get out.

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